New Study Purports to Pinpoint How Many Types of Orgasm a Woman Can Have

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Mar 26, 2014

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine claims that researchers have discovered the actual number of orgasm types women can have:

Two.

How did they determine this?

Two French gynecologists carried out ultrasound scans on a mere three volunteers by measuring variations in their blood flow patterns to decipher how their sexual organs moved during different types of sex. They had their volunteers simulate these two types of sex by having them arouse themselves through manual self-stimulation of the external clitoris, and through vaginal penetration using a wet tampon. In both cases, researchers measured the changes in blood flow patterns in the area in order to determine how both the clitoris and vaginal complex responded.

The study revealed that there is a "functional difference" in orgasms depending on the type of sexual contact. Specifically, only the top of the clitoris responds to external stimulation, while both the root of the clitoris and the whole clitoral and vaginal complex respond to vaginal penetration. These varying responses affect the flow of blood and therefore produce different sensations in the body.

You can read more on this study — and on the history of female orgasm studies — over at AlterNet.

Whatever you choose to make of these findings (and we encourage you to continue the discussion in the comments section below), it's probably safe to say that no matter how women experience their orgasms, there's no right or wrong way. The body ultimately reacts with an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing, and a mounting tension in the pelvic region. Oh, and the important part: pleasure. For more on that, check out this charming video from Dodson and Ross.